Integrating Evidence-Based Decision-Making Into Curricula

Use of an evidence-based approach has emerged as a national priority in health care in response to the need to improve the effectiveness, appropriateness and quality of health services. It is intended to close the gap between what is known and what is done. The Institute is designed to support faculty from the health professions who are interested in integrating an evidence-based decision making (EBDM) approach and active learning techniques into courses. The original Institute was sponsored through a grant from the Bureau of Health Professions.

During the Institute, faculty:

• Gain hands-on experience in applying EBDM principles to teaching and evaluation
• Learn how to use critical thinking exercises in classroom discussions, homework and problem-solving activities
• Develop an instructional package including the use of cases, student-centered activities and evaluation strategies
• Learn how to integrate EBDM principles into the clinic and the classroom

In addition to the Faculty Development Institute, a the EBNews website was developed that contains cases, tutorials, examples and information about Evidence-Based Decision Making. http://www.usc.edu/ebnet